Portugal drought

Portugal - Updated Friday, November 10, 2017

Portugal drought

Updated: 11/10/2017 12:36:25 PMPortugal’s Pego do Altar reservoir looks like disused quarry now, its bare, exposed slopes rising up steeply on each side and shimmering in the sun as it holds barely 11 per cent of the water it was designed for.
The huge lake where people used to swim, boat and fish has shrunk to a slither of water, surrounded by baked, cracked earth and a handful of white fish carcasses. It is a desolate and disturbing sight — and one that has become increasingly common in southern Portugal.Source: DORRIS

Published Thursday, November 9, 2017

The lack of rain and high temperatures in April increased drought rates in mainland Portugal, but still had no significant impact on agriculture, meteorologist Vanda Pires said.

In the April climate report, the Portuguese Institute for the Sea and Atmosphere (IPMA) indicated that 96% of mainland Portugal has a weak to moderate drought, a 20% increase compared to March.

"With two months of moderate drought there may already be some impacts on agriculture, especially pasture, from rainfed crops. If there are more months in this situation could have an impact at the hydrological level, "he said, noting that currently mainland Portugal may be considered in meteorological drought.
Source: DORRIS